Everything You Want to Know About the Biophysical Profile.

 

The Biophysical profile is a non-invasive test usually done after 32 weeks, however a BPP can be done at any time after 24th weeks of pregnancy. This diagnostic test helps evaluate the well-being of the baby. It assesses the fetus body movement, muscle tone, breathing movement, and the amount of amniotic fluid inside the womb. There are several reasons why the doctor orders a Biophysical Profile. In this article I am going to give you important information about the biophysical profile, all of this information coming from an ultrasound tech. Let’s begin.

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Let’s Start by Understanding What is a Biophysical Profile?

The biophysical profile is a noninvasive prenatal diagnostic test that is typically conducted after the 24th week of pregnancy to examine the health of the fetus. This test is performed in order to determine whether or not the fetus is developing normally or is experiencing any type of distress. This test can also be part of a combination of a nonstress test (NST) and the ultrasound examination (BPP). The nonstress test is carried out so that an evaluation may be made on the acceleration of the fetal heart rate in response to movements. The ultrasonic examination is aimed to evaluate four different aspects that are listed below:

• Gross body movement in a fetus refers to individual movements of the body or limbs, including those of the fine motor system.
• Tone of the muscles of the fetus, as measured by movements like as opening and closing the hands and mouth, extending and flexing the limbs, or repositioning or rotating the body’s trunk.
• Movements of breathing that occur continuously and in a rhythmic pattern during the test.
• The Volumen of the amniotic fluid, this is measured in 4 pockets in the belly. Each pocket is measured vertically, for this part to be considered normal at least one of the four vertical pockets of amniotic fluid has to measure 2 cm or more. A Volumen of amniotic fluid below 5 cm in total means that the amniotic fluid is low, this condition is known as Oligohydramnios, Read this other article to learn more about Amniotic fluid.

Main Reasons Why is a biophysical profile is performed?

The biophysical profile may be ordered for women carrying high-risk pregnancies.

Among the indications for a biophysical profile are:

• Maternal diseases that have been present for a long time, such as hypertension, lupus, renal disease, or thrombocytopenia.
• Fetal movement has decreased.
• Previous history of miscarriage, stillbirth or another negative outcome.
• Multiple pregnancy (more than one fetus, twin or triplets).
• Preeclampsia (high blood pressure) or pregnancy-related hypertension.
• Possible Intrauterine growth restriction.
• Diabetes prior to pregnancy or pregnancy-related diabetes (gestational diabetes).
• Pregnancy already at term (at or beyond 40 weeks).
• Asthma, moderate to severe.
• And now Covid-19.

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How is the Biophysical Profile Done?

Nonstress test: A pregnant woman reclines or lies down, and an electronic fetal monitor measures the baby’s heart rate. Around her middle, a belt with an electronic sensor is put on. During this time, the heart rate of the fetus is measured and written down. Most of the time, the test takes about 20 minutes. There should be two or more times when the baby’s heart rate speeds up. If there are less than two, it could mean the baby is sleeping. In that case, a buzzer or loud noise could be used to “wake up” the baby and get it to move. The nonstress test can be done in a hospital or a doctor’s office.

Ultrasound BPP exam: During an ultrasound, a device called a transducer is gently rolled over the belly while the pregnant patient is lying down. The transducer sends out sound waves that bounce off the body’s organs and tissues. These echoes are picked up by the transducer and turned into images that the technician can see on a computer screen.

How are Biophysical Profile Components Rated?

If everything is normal the biophysical profile can get up to 10 points. Each component is given two points. The following are the requirements for each component.

• A 20-minute period during which the fetal heart rate rises at least twice is required for a nonstress test.
• Three or more distinct movements of the fetal body or limbs over 30 minutes constitute gross body movement.
• Active extension and flexion of an arm, leg, or hand throughout the 30-minute test indicates high fetal muscle tone.
• There must be at least one 30-second period of continuous fetal respiration during the 30-minute test.
• A single pocket of amniotic fluid should measure 2 cm or more.

If any of these components is abnormal will receive a zero out of two points.

What does the result of the biophysical profile test mean?

• A score of 8 to 10 is “reassuring,” more likely the baby is doing fine, though the test may be repeated later on if needed.

• A score of 6 may require a second BPP within 12 to 24 hours, or, depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy, your baby may be delivered.

• A score of 4 or less may mean you need additional tests or that your baby might need to be delivered right away.

After having an abnormal Biophysical Profile your doctor might want to:

• Check your baby’s oxygen level to see whether it’s lower than eight or higher than nine (fetal asphyxia). Pregnancy-safe doses of corticosteroids, for example, can be as low as half of the usual dose.
• Delivery should be induced if the biophysical profile indicates a score of four or less. Further screening and monitoring may be required if the gestational age falls below 32 weeks with a four-point score.
• In general, a low score suggests an increased risk of stillbirths and fetal hypoxia.

 

Related posts:

How to Naturally Shrink Uterus after Pregnancy.

Is Covid Vaccine Safe During Pregnancy?

How to Naturally Prevent Pregnancy Depression.

Final thoughts about Biophysical Profile.

A biophysical Profile is a non-invasive test, therefore is not dangerous for you or your baby. Nonetheless the fact that you have to go through the exam can understandably cause you to feel anxious or agitated. Talk to your practitioner if the idea of completing a biophysical profile appears to be too much for you to handle, talking to your doctor may help put your mind at ease.

I hope this article was helpful to you, don’t forget to share and comment to reach more moms who might need this information.

Zadi, xo

Disclaimer: The medical information on this post is for informational, educational and entertainment use only. Under no circumstances, this information is to replace your doctor’s advice or to treat any disease. For proper care, always visit your doctor. Ultrasoundfeminsider is not liable for any injury caused by reading this article.